Sharapova ‘delusional’ as tempers and temperatures rise in Aussie heat

AUSTRALIAN OPEN contenders Maria Sharapova, David Nalbandian and James Blake called for a review of the tournament’s extreme heat policy after battling soaring temperatures to reach the second round.

Sharapova suffered cramps and said she became “delusional” playing French woman Camille Pin, while Nalbandian branded conditions “terrible” and “disgusting” after his distressed opponent Janko Tipsarevic withdrew.

American fifth seed James Blake, who is vice-president on the ATP Player Council, said it was paramount to think about the players’ health.